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  #51  
Old 04-14-2014, 06:53 AM
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There have been instances where the person who was pulled over was a dummy and things got ugly and there have been times where the person wasn't carrying and were harassed for it anyway.
I've experienced the latter. In Ohio, you are ABSOLUTELY not required to inform when not armed, and I ABSOLUTELY refuse to do so.

The law requires me to inform when ARMED. I will obey the law and NOTHING more.
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Old 04-14-2014, 07:14 AM
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Since 99% of the time I have my firearm when I get in my car or truck and if I'm taking the wife's well that one has a firearm that lives in it. That said when I have been stopped since obtaining my CHL I simply hand the officer my DL and my CHL and inform them that A) my weapon is located XXXX or B) I am not carrying it at the moment. I know the law but I also just dont see the reasoning in "I aint telling um nothing" attitude. Im legally licensed to have it and have no qaulms in telling a law enforcement officer if I do or dont have it when interacting with one in a traffic stop situation. These guys have enough shiat to deal with from the real bad guys why should I add to the stress by being a "barney bad ***" type.
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Old 04-14-2014, 07:21 AM
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SMOKE with all due respect, officers have to consider EVERYONE a possible threat upon initial contact, to do otherwise is extremely UNwise. I know that when I learn through running a license plate through LEADS that the owner of the vehicle has a ccw I tend to relax A BIT because I know that someone who has taken the time and energy to get a ccw (and pass the background to get one) is a lot less likely to be a threat to me. After that, it is 100% (by his/her actions mannerisms etc) on the person I am dealing with as to whether or not I consider him a threat or not. With a known ccw holder 99 times out of 100 they are put in the "Non-threat" category anyway.
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Old 04-14-2014, 07:23 AM
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I've experienced the latter. In Ohio, you are ABSOLUTELY not required to inform when not armed...
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The law requires me to inform when ARMED. I will obey the law and NOTHING more.
I don't think anyone is asking that you do any more than that.
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Old 04-14-2014, 01:06 PM
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SMOKE with all due respect, officers have to consider EVERYONE a possible threat upon initial contact, to do otherwise is extremely UNwise.
I agree 100%

I’m not saying that anyone absolutely shouldn’t inform during a traffic stop, nor am I saying they absolutely should. It just bothers me when someone gets on the internet and insists that I must inform. That’s what I was responding to.
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Old 04-14-2014, 03:29 PM
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I've experienced the latter. In Ohio, you are ABSOLUTELY not required to inform when not armed, and I ABSOLUTELY refuse to do so.



The law requires me to inform when ARMED. I will obey the law and NOTHING more.

I think you may be misunderstanding me. My comment about informing is only if you are armed. If you are unarmed, why would you need to inform?

The reference I had in mind about concealed carriers being harassed was a man and a woman from Florida who were traveling through either Maryland or New Jersey. I believe it was Maryland. Any way, apparently, the officers tailed them for a while and pulled up their information (no violation of any kind was mentioned in any of the reports I read about it) and saw the vehicle was registered to a concealed carry holder (the husband). They then proceeded to pull them over and demanded to see the weapon. Things were ugly from the very beginning with no cause other than they were from out of State. They were accused of lying to the officers when they said they didn't have it and didn't produce it. There was an extensive road side search and the couple were charged with lying to the officers and some other stuff.

Now, the above is a rare occurrence (at least being reported on in the news) but it does happen.

Back to the original reply, I only meant that you inform while you are armed. If you are not, then no need. If you have firearms in the trunk that are unloaded and locked in a case, there is no need to inform unless directly asked. As long as you are following federal transportation guide lines, it shouldn't be an issue. The exception being if the State has separate transportation laws. PA, for example has rules about going to and from the range, to and from a hunting event, or to and from a licensed dealer with no stops. If you stop to eat, go to the bathroom, or at grandma's house, you are in violation. But I digress.
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Old 04-14-2014, 03:35 PM
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I agree 100%



I’m not saying that anyone absolutely shouldn’t inform during a traffic stop, nor am I saying they absolutely should. It just bothers me when someone gets on the internet and insists that I must inform. That’s what I was responding to.

Where did I ever insist that one must inform? I did state that I recommend it or something similar but never said that it was a must. Following the law is the minimum and that is your right. I would never insist that one goes against their rights as long as mine or someone else's rights are not violated in the process. You are most certainly within your bounds and rights to no inform, armed or otherwise, if you are not required to.
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Old 04-14-2014, 05:20 PM
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Where did I ever insist that one must inform? I did state that I recommend it or something similar but never said that it was a must. Following the law is the minimum and that is your right. I would never insist that one goes against their rights as long as mine or someone else's rights are not violated in the process. You are most certainly within your bounds and rights to no inform, armed or otherwise, if you are not required to.
I'm sorry that's just what I took from the tone of your post. If I read something into it that wasn't there I appologize
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Old 04-14-2014, 07:24 PM
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I don't think anyone is asking that you do any more than that.
You missed the part where I said that that's EXACTLY what one Rocky River cop asked me to do. I politely declined. Others have had identical experiences... or worse.

I've also had a number of non-LEOs tell me that I need to "notify" when not armed.

For some LEOs, it's ignorance on their part. For others it's a manifestation of a desire to "push the envelope".
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Old 04-14-2014, 07:29 PM
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I think you may be misunderstanding me. My comment about informing is only if you are armed. If you are unarmed, why would you need to inform?
My point is that I've had a cop try to get me to notify when NOT armed, which is completely extra-legal. I've had non-cops do likewise. In every instance, my response has been "no".

I don't like Ohio's notification requirement, but I'll obey it. I obey the law. Arbitrary whim on the other hand, I don't waste my time with.
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Old 04-14-2014, 09:20 PM
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My point is that I've had a cop try to get me to notify when NOT armed, which is completely extra-legal. I've had non-cops do likewise. In every instance, my response has been "no".

I don't like Ohio's notification requirement, but I'll obey it. I obey the law. Arbitrary whim on the other hand, I don't waste my time with.
Ok, now I get where you are coming from. That makes about as much sense as wiping before you poop...
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Old 04-14-2014, 10:16 PM
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You missed the part where I said that that's EXACTLY what one Rocky River cop asked me to do. I politely declined. Others have had identical experiences... or worse.

I've also had a number of non-LEOs tell me that I need to "notify" when not armed.

For some LEOs, it's ignorance on their part. For others it's a manifestation of a desire to "push the envelope".
A NON-LEO, unless they are versed in the subject, is really just guessing as to when you should inform. To set the record straight: IF YOU ARE NOT ARMED THERE IS NOT NEED TO INFORM OF ANYTHING. If asked, you can say I'm licensed, but not carrying, or simply say "No."

*I* usually ask before the person I've stopped has a chance to inform, it gets the BS out of the way so we can get down to the real business behind the stop.

As for the LEO "Pushing the Envelope," I personally think it's more out of ignorance than animosity.

We recently had a department memo put out about open carry in public and how UNLESS <they> are doing something illegal, there is no justification in stopping a person JUST for having a weapon on their person including a slung rifle. Now if you're waving it around..., well that's another story.

I actually got into a "disagreement" with another officer about open carry ... he was uncomfortable with it & didn't really like the idea, but I think I got through to him.
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Old 04-14-2014, 10:18 PM
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I agree 100%

I’m not saying that anyone absolutely shouldn’t inform during a traffic stop, nor am I saying they absolutely should. It just bothers me when someone gets on the internet and insists that I must inform. That’s what I was responding to.

The only thing you have to listen to is the law of your state, if it says 'inform,' then you inform, if it doesn't say to inform, then it's your discretion (unless asked directly).
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Old 04-17-2014, 10:16 PM
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When I go to work every day, I don't have to wear a bullet proof vest or carry a handgun, handcuffs, mace, billyclub, etc. as part of my work attire. And, I am reasonably certain that no harm will befall me from unhappy customers other than the loss of future business. To those of you in law enforcement who have to put up with the dregs of society daily and still be polite to the taxpayers ( you know who we are because we will certainly tell you ), my sincere thanks. If I can do anything to make your job a teeny bit easier, I will. If you stop me I will, without the slightest bit of concern for my rights, inform you that I am carrying and show my permit because it's the law in Michigan and because you are a fellow human being and I want to make things as easy on you as I can. I don't understand the attitudes of those on this forum who seem to have a problem with that.
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Old 04-17-2014, 10:24 PM
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The couple of times I've had contact with LE since I got my CHP I just haned them the drivers license and CHP at the same time. Both times they handed the CHP back, once with no comment, the other time with "I don't need that." No mention was made of guns.
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Old 04-18-2014, 06:49 AM
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The couple of times I've had contact with LE since I got my CHP I just haned them the drivers license and CHP at the same time.
In Ohio, that wouldn't be considered proper notification.

It ESPECIALLY wouldn't be considered proper notification if there were multiple ARMED CHL holders in the vehicle. THEY must verbally notify, individually as well. AND every time a previously unnotified cop makes contact with any of the occupants, the process must be repeated.
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Old 04-18-2014, 09:32 AM
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I worked part time at a gun shop with an indoor range for a couple years. We had LEO contracts and I got to know several officers from different agencies.

I took a poll and asked 10 officers if they would like to know up front early in the stop if I was carrying concealed. All but one said yes. Most said they would be suspicious if you didn't.

Several went on to say that even though it isn't required under state law, it could and probably would prevent problems or awkward situations during the stop.

I'm a law abiding citizen. I got nothing to hide. Three times I was pulled over and three times I handed the officer my permit and drivers license. All three times the officer was extremely thankful and let me off with a warning.

An officer is no different than the rest of us. They do their job and go home. If I can make them feel a little at ease in a potentially dangerous situation so be it. Don't hurt me none.

Frankly, I don't understand the "militant" attitude that some people display with cops. State law or no, respect the person behind the badge until they give a reason to do otherwise. And even then, tread carefully.
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Old 04-18-2014, 09:49 AM
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I'm in Florida too.
This conduct is totally outrageous.
I'd file a complaint with internal affairs.
Once he passed the blow test the stop should be over.

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Notification is NOT required in Florida, but a friend of mine (a local youth minister) got stopped in a DUI roadblock one night in the wee hours. He does not drink, and had not been drinking. He had been out with his airsoft group and had his airsoft M-4 on the back dash of his Challenger... no tint, in plain view....

The officer asked about the gun and he explained that it was airsoft. He asked the officer if he wanted to check it out, and the officer said no. He explained that he had been playing airsoft, and had consumed no alcohol. The officer asked for his ID, and he provided both his DL and CCW. Officer DID NOT ask if he was armed, and he did nto volunteer this information at this time (he had a full size 45 on his right hip).

The officer asked him to step out of the vehicle, and continued a line of questioning indicating that he was suspicious of DUI.... My friend, upon being asked to step out informed the officer that he was armed with a 45 on his right hip...,, no response from the police....

He got out and performed the field sobriety tests, answered their questions, and interrupted the cop and his partner TWICE to inform them that he was armed.... again, no comments from either officer on the fact that he was armed..... (three ignored notifications, and they had his ccw in their possesion).

At that time, they decided to search him, had him put his hands on the hood of the car, and he for the forth time (with his hands on the hood and back to the officers) informed them that he was armed with a 45 on the right hip (this gentleman is tall and skinny... hard for him to hide a 5" 45). Again no response.... as the original officer started to pat him down, and reached around the belt, he acted surprised to find the gun, pinned my friend on the hood, and berated him for carrying a loaded gun, while he struggled to get the gun out of the IWB holster. The verbal assault continued as the officer could not figure out how to clear the 1911, and had to have his partner show him the safety lever. Verbal assaults continued after the gun was cleared, and the preacher was placed into handcuffs and told he was going to be arrested. (second officer was running the gun for stolen).

Of course the gun came back clean, and when the partner returned he removed the cuffs, gave the gun, round, and magazine back, and told him he was free to go.

Now this fellow is young looking for his age, and has a nice car, nice job, and is a very mild mannered individual. He had never had something like this happen, and we all are still amazed that it could happen to this guy... the best we can figure the offending cop was a younger trainee, or having a bad night ect.... It just really was a pain in the butt for him, all for no reason.....


Reason I post all this is thats what I believe gfy1960 officer was saying.... if you act like an ***, it is an attention getter.... you can always calm down and apologize for being a jerk, but the LEO needs to get the fact that you are armed before things go downhill..... I doubt any cop would hold it against you when all is said and done..... it is just information that needs to be clearly communicated efficiently....
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Old 04-18-2014, 12:57 PM
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In Ohio, that wouldn't be considered proper notification.
I'm not in Ohio. <shrugs>
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Old 04-18-2014, 02:23 PM
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I worked part time at a gun shop with an indoor range for a couple years. We had LEO contracts and I got to know several officers from different agencies.

I took a poll and asked 10 officers if they would like to know up front early in the stop if I was carrying concealed. All but one said yes. Most said they would be suspicious if you didn't.

Several went on to say that even though it isn't required under state law, it could and probably would prevent problems or awkward situations during the stop.

I'm a law abiding citizen. I got nothing to hide. Three times I was pulled over and three times I handed the officer my permit and drivers license. All three times the officer was extremely thankful and let me off with a warning.

An officer is no different than the rest of us. They do their job and go home. If I can make them feel a little at ease in a potentially dangerous situation so be it. Don't hurt me none.

Frankly, I don't understand the "militant" attitude that some people display with cops. State law or no, respect the person behind the badge until they give a reason to do otherwise. And even then, tread carefully.

You say you are a law abiding citizen, but you have been pulled over 3 times. Did they pull you over because you were abiding the law?

You despise open carry even where legal and carrying in bars is a "bad idea" again even where legal. I don't understand the " militant" attitude that some gun owning people have against what is legal. If you don't like it then don't do it. I will make my own choices based on the law.

I have not been pulled over in 20 plus years, and hope that I never do. But if it happens, I do not legally have to notify in Pa. The reasons I won't are simple and not "militant" at all.

I don't care to take the chance of getting shot by my own gun while being disarmed for one.

I don't want some passerby shot with my gun while an LEO who may not be familiar with it is trying to unload it on the side of the road, for his safety.

I don't need the LEO to tell me I don't own the gun because it is not in Pennsylvania's illegal sales data base under my name. Never mind it was a legal gift from my grandfather and now have to jump through hoops to get it back. Read my link for more insight on the illegal sales data base ??? for members in PA

About 4 years ago on the 4th of July the girl friend and I decided to harass some trout in the only cold water in our area. It was the dam release at a popular reservoir and there was a dui check point.

We had her truck and I was open carrying in the passenger seat. I told her to not say a thing about the gun and I got closer to my door. With the truck basically surrounded by LEO, I kept my mouth shut and my hands on my knees. I did not want to sound "militant" so did not offer my opinion on check points either. Nothing was said about weapons and we went on our way.

If the LEO did not make it home safely that night, it was not because of
me.

Now, if I were to get pulled over while carrying in a state that requires me to notify, I will.


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Old 04-18-2014, 08:23 PM
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Frankly, I don't understand the "militant" attitude that some people display with cops. State law or no, respect the person behind the badge until they give a reason to do otherwise. And even then, tread carefully.
I respect the LAW, at least to the extent that I obey it.

Nobody has a duty to do more, and I certainly won't.
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Old 04-18-2014, 08:34 PM
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I respect the LAW, at least to the extent that I obey it.

Nobody has a duty to do more, and I certainly won't.
You've made that abundantly obvious.
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Old 04-20-2014, 12:39 AM
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Default Traffic stop while carrying? Every time!

I've never conducted a traffic stop while I wasn't carrying.
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Old 04-20-2014, 12:52 AM
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Respectfully inform the officer that you have a concealed carry license, that there is a gun in the car, and where in the vehicle or on your person it can be found. Keep your hands on the steering wheel and obey instructions to the letter.

Understandably, LEO's don't like surprises. I wouldn't in their situation.
A LEO friend suggested that you never use the term "Gun." You can say firearm or other terms but if there are two LEOs, one may only hear "Gun" and not all which can cause an immediate escalation of events.
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Old 12-28-2014, 11:49 AM
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A bit late but....
Here in AZ there is a 'declaration clause' in ARS if one is asked by an LEO whether or not they are carrying a deadly weapon (in or out of the car) they MUST notify the officer of it. Now, a bit of common sense is good. Simply telling the officer straightaway is smart & will generally make the contact go much easier. I can't speak for the other 49 states but coppers in AZ don't get hinked up about guns. This is the wild west after all. Besides the scuzzlebutt felons don't generally tell us they're packing. Honest Joe or Jane aren't the problem & we appreciate their candor.

I've had many conversations with folks open carrying & I don't remove their weapons unless they're the subject of the incident & it's done for everyone's safety. I'm referring to the person who has a question about whatever & it's not an 'official contact'. The conversation invariably turns to what each of us are packing.

It does amaze me have many times myself & my colleagues are approached by "concerned citizens" about someone has a gun on their person. We politely inform them that this is AZ & welcome to the Wild Wild west. Usually the concerned are from the NE U.S., the left coast or Canada. Its culture shock.
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Old 12-28-2014, 12:47 PM
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Originally Posted by feralmerril View Post
About 40 years ago in california, I had a friend that wanted to obey the law. He had been out shooting with his .45 auto. His bad was driving a van. At that time and probley yet if you have a gun in your vehicle it has to be unloaded and the ammo stored in a separate compartment, normally, the trunk. Rick didnt have a trunk in his van. He had the pistol laying on the passenger seat unloaded. He stopped to a drive in for eats. The window girl seen the gun and called the SD. Rick got stopped down the road, arrested and spent a few days in the hoosegow as he had no bail money.
I am not sure of all the details but know he had guns after that as we went out shooting.
These days, in California, for a non-ccw holder the unloaded handgun needs to be in a locked case that fully encloses the gun. The trunk counts as a locked case -- assuming it has a lock. Glove compartments are explicitly excluded. If you drive a SUV with no trunk, then put the case way in the back cargo area.

Ammo does not need to be locked and can be carried inside the vehicle. Don't put the ammo in the case with the gun. I generally put the ammo under the seat or in some kind of bag out of sight.

If you have a CCW, you can be carrying on your person or concealed in passenger areas of the vehicle and the handgun can be loaded. But, only the guns listed on your permit. The rest need to be in a locked case in the back and unloaded.

BTW, CCW holders in my county need to inform any officer they interact with (like at a traffic stop). Don't know if that is a state law, or a requirement of our county sheriff.

I wouldn't be surprised if the CCW license is listed in info the LEO pulls up when running your license, but I don't know.

In CA less the 0.1% of private citizens have a CCW license, so I suspect most LEOs rarely encounter anyone with one.

Last edited by Cal44; 12-28-2014 at 12:50 PM.
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Old 12-28-2014, 03:00 PM
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In Michigan the person who owns the vehicle their license plate will tell the LEO when him/her runs the plate that you are a CPL/CCW holder before they stop you. When they do pull you over you MUST tell them that you are a CPL/CCW holder and where your hardware is if on you. I think all states should do this for not only your safe being but also the LEO.
In Michigan we are required to inform if we're are carrying, if there is no gun nothing has to be said.
The in car MDT's no longer tell by the plate number.

Personally I don't like the inform law, the licensed people are not the ones I fear.
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Old 12-28-2014, 04:23 PM
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I'm surprised at the amount of hard case responses, I like the adage that if you want respect you have to show respect, oh and a little common courtesy goes a long way in averting a situation of unneeded escalation in the case of a cop noticing a undeclared firearm. In Oregon it is state law that you declare you are CC or otherwise. My opinion is it is a benefit to both parties and have no issues with complying. Sometimes you gotta give an inch.
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Old 12-28-2014, 04:53 PM
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Unless the officer asks me i wouldn't say anything.
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Old 12-28-2014, 05:08 PM
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in the state of Missouri we have a database in place to let LEOs know after scanning our plates,which I think is bull**** considering they leaked that information a while back. Luckily a lot of heads rolled and a lot of people got fired and it's been tightened up (God bless Missouri!).

I don't have to tell them I have a gun unless directly asked but I usually after most will try and "hold your weapon" till after the encounter. I personally refuse this regardless of their hollow threats about arresting me or trying to find a reason to search my car. Lot of officers here are laid back but there are becoming more jackboots the last few years and I wont allow them to violate my rights unchecked.

Beware if you do this they will very possibly become very hostile to you...be cool and know your laws and exercise them in a calm matter. Way to many officers anymore have the "I'm god of the road" syndrome and wont like having to follow the law they were sworn to protect if it goes against what they desire.

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Old 12-28-2014, 05:19 PM
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In South Carolina you are required to inform the LEO you have a cwp and a weapon in the car.
But you do not have to inform if you don't have a CWP.
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Old 12-28-2014, 05:46 PM
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In Kentucky I am not required to inform, but I do anyway. In the few times I've had contact with police officers I've had my concealed carry license card and my driver's license both in my hand, and as I hand them over I immediately let them know if I am carrying at that time.

It's actually only happened twice. Once, in Virginia - a State with a speed cop about every 3 feet on center - the cop asked if I had any weapons at all in the vehicle, then nothing more was said about it.

In North Carolina I was involved in a minor traffic accident, and when the female Charlotte officer arrived on scene I handed both cards over to her. She kept them while making out her report, then when she returned them she very nicely thanked me for letting her know.

Must inform or not, I think that is the best policy.
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Old 12-28-2014, 05:51 PM
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I'm surprised at the amount of hard case responses, I like the adage that if you want respect you have to show respect, oh and a little common courtesy goes a long way in averting a situation of unneeded escalation in the case of a cop noticing a undeclared firearm. In Oregon it is state law that you declare you are CC or otherwise. My opinion is it is a benefit to both parties and have no issues with complying. Sometimes you gotta give an inch.
I grew up having respect for law enforcement officers drilled into me. Later on in my life, after a few unpleasant interactions with the "new breed" of rude, confrontational, aggressive LEO's, I do not tell them anything I am not specifically asked.

In the state where I live, a permit holder is not required to inform unless asked, and in my CCW class we were told NOT to volunteer any information not requested.
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Old 12-28-2014, 05:53 PM
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A related story:

In Kentucky you have always been allowed to carry a loaded handgun in the glove compartment of your car. No permit required, but it used to be (the law was recently amended to include any storage compartment regularly installed by the vehicle manufacturer) that HAD to be the glove compartment.

A cop friend of mine told the story that he pulled a Camaro over late one night for speeding. When he came up to the driver's window, he asked for license and registration and if there were any weapons or drugs in the car. The driver replied that he had a handgun in the car. When asked where it was, he replied that it was under the driver's seat.

The cop then asked him to get out of the car, and cuffed him while he investigated further. He said he reached under the seat and pulled out a loaded Ruger Blackhawk with as 8" barrel. The Camaro driver told him that it wouldn't fit in the glove compartment. The cop said he got a laugh out of that, and let him go with a warning.

Last edited by tpelle; 12-28-2014 at 05:54 PM.
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Old 12-28-2014, 06:26 PM
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I always inform the officer when I get stopped. I immediately tell him that I'm "legally carrying". I never say gun, CCW or permit. If it is dark out, I turn all the lights on in the car so they can see. My hands are usually out on the window sill or on the top of the steering wheel so he/she can see them. Yes sir, no sir or yes ma'am and no ma'am goes a long way. I usually have my license out first since it is in my wallet before the officer gets out of the car. I do not get my other papers because they are in the glove box and I do not want the officer see me reach in there while he/she is approaching. If they ask me for those papers, I ask if I can take my seat belt off and then proceed to tell them were the paperwork is and ask if I can get it. This way the officer cannot charge you with a seat belt violation because the officer confirmed for you to remove it. You kill two stones with one bird there I have had a few officers who were pricks over the years but the vast majority of them were really nice. I have never been disarmed by any officer during a traffic stop either.

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Old 12-29-2014, 10:17 AM
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As stated in Michigan you must inform. My cousin forgot to when he was stopped by a small city LEO and it came back running his plate he had a permit. Officer asked and cousin said he had one in his console and forgot to inform, cousin was about 60 at the time. Cop got all upset and told him his life was put at risk and cuffed him and bent him over the cruiser's trunk while he searched the truck. My cousin lost his permit for 6 months over it too.
I tell my wife how doesn't have a permit that vehicle registered in my name will come back as owner has a CPL and to keep hands on wheel and answer questions about guns as they're sure to come.
We also have to allow a search of vehicle here if we have a permit or risk losing permit. I have nothing to hide but that law is still troubling to me.
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Old 12-29-2014, 10:45 AM
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In Texas if you hold a CCW and you get pulled over by a police officer you are required to show both your drivers license & your CCW license.

I would add, that in this day & age out of respect for our law enforcement officers, if you're on your way to the range, the ranch or whatever & you have a gun in your car & they ask you if there are any weapons in your vehicle, you say "yes sir".
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Old 12-29-2014, 11:20 AM
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I have heard conflicting views of handling this issue for years now. I was stopped for a traffic infraction a couple years back. I have always made sure the officer could see inside my vehicle as they are approaching by either putting the dome lights on or lowering the windows and keeping my hands on the top of the steering wheel. Florida is a no duty to inform state, but I handed my DL and carry license to him at the same time. He asked if the weapon was on me and I informed him it was in the side pocket of the drivers door. He did ask that I open the door a few inches but that was it. No other mention of the gun was made, he gave me a warning for creeping through the stop sign and sent me on my way. Total delay of ten minutes. I guess it all depends on how you are perceived by the officer.
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Old 12-29-2014, 12:12 PM
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Widow down,engine off,hands on steering wheel, dome light on if it's dark and a respectful do you want to see my drivers license and CCW permit and I am or I am not carrying today.

Treat LEO's with some respect and 99% you will get the same back.
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Old 12-29-2014, 01:11 PM
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frankly with everything going on recently between certain individuals/groups and those in the leo community, i'd think any courtesy or heads-up would really go a long way to keeping any stop more civilized.
I am not an officer but know those that are and I would bet they all are on a more alert status now and rightly so.
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Old 12-29-2014, 01:29 PM
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As stated in Michigan you must inform. My cousin forgot to when he was stopped by a small city LEO and it came back running his plate he had a permit. Officer asked and cousin said he had one in his console and forgot to inform, cousin was about 60 at the time. Cop got all upset and told him his life was put at risk and cuffed him and bent him over the cruiser's trunk while he searched the truck. My cousin lost his permit for 6 months over it too.
I tell my wife how doesn't have a permit that vehicle registered in my name will come back as owner has a CPL and to keep hands on wheel and answer questions about guns as they're sure to come.
We also have to allow a search of vehicle here if we have a permit or risk losing permit. I have nothing to hide but that law is still troubling to me.
That's a new one on me, where did you get that from?
Never consent to a vehicle search
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Old 12-29-2014, 06:05 PM
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I'm retired LEO when I worked I always asked if driver or passengers were armed. Now days In Mo Law enforcement seems to assume everyone is armed and will at the very least ask. I will tell them up front I am armed and where it is. I know several people that carry in the glove box or under the seat all the time and do not have their CCW. Missouri is a very conservative state when it comes to gun rights. I Know of no officer that will not at least ask you if you have a weapon in the car when making even a routine traffic stop. It's my guess you better tell the truth if asked
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Old 01-08-2015, 12:45 AM
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That's a new one on me, where did you get that from?
Never consent to a vehicle search
That sounds to me like a violation of the 4th amendment. Parolees/probationers are subject to random S&S (warrantless searches) due to their CONVICTED FELON status. No guns allowed there. I really don't see how simply having a CCW forces one to surrender their civil rights. Yes: the U.S. Supreme Court has numerous cases allowing for protective sweeps etc of homes & vehicles, but those are very limited in nature as to what or who we are searching for. So, is it possible that that specific part of the law you are referring too is talking about protective sweeps, or a full blown warrant less search? You should research that for clarification.
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Old 01-08-2015, 01:06 AM
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We live in CO too. One day it will be the Free State of WY. With that said were I a LEO I'd truly appreciate a heads up on firearms and would feel much more comfortable with my stop giving me his/her CCW permit. One thing I really think should be against the law is those really dark tinted windows. Again were I an Officer those things would make me real , real nervous.
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I had the opportunity to explore this event a couple weeks ago as I returned from the range at a higher than advisable rate of speed that attracted the attention of a pair of deputies and their surprisingly accurate radar gun. The officer in charge not very kindly asked me where I had been, what I had been doing, had I had anything to drink today, and was I taking any "medications?" (this is Colorado, mind you). Figuring that honesty is the best policy, especially when talking to LE, I stated that I had been target shooting on public land about 10 miles up the road and was returning home. Answers to the last two questions were NO SIR and NO SIR. Officers seemed a little tense. "How many guns do you have in your vehicle?" Now I'm a little tense. Uh ... using fingers ... 4 revolvers and one rifle. "Where are the guns?" The handguns are in cases in this box on the seat next to me and the rifle is in the case next to that. "Ok, do you have any weapons ON you?" NO SIR. That was the truth, but I had reserved my last 6 rounds of 357 in the model 19 just because. That is legal in this state and I do also have a concealed carry license, but had just elected to put the gun in the case for the ride home.

"Ok, let me see your papers and don't go digging around in that box." YES SIR, I understand.

Turns out I checked out as distinctly non-threatening and he advised me to be more observant of the signage due to the number of deer and elk on the road, don't want to hit one of those, makes a mess. Yes, I see them regularly and I promise to be more careful. "OK, have a nice day and here is my business card in case you have any questions about this contact." Then they relaxed and made some jokes about the targets that were clearly visible in the back. I think they were mostly looking for impaired drivers coming back from the nearby casinos and I didn't fit the description.

To make a long story longer, I thought about all this and sent the officer a respectful email inquiring about the proper procedure if I had been armed on my person. In the meantime, I looked up the law and it turns out that Colorado does not have a Duty to Inform law. In a couple hours, presumably at the end of his shift, he replied, also very respectfully, that IF ASKED I must state that I am armed. Then, it is up to the officer's discretion whether to disarm the person. Just do as directed.

So, I learned a little bit. Check your local laws.
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